Discover the dramatic South Australian outback on a cruise along Australia's great inland highway. The seven night cruise is a unique historic and nature based adventure through ancient gorges and red gum forests, past towering sandstone cliffs and exploring historic ports, local vineyards and nature trails.

Receive either a complimentary carpark at Mannum or a transfer to/from the Mercure Grosvenor Adelaide Hotel. Subject to availability and needs to be advised at time of booking.

Discover the dramatic South Australian outback on a cruise along Australia's great inland highway. The seven night cruise is a unique historic and nature based adventure through ancient gorges and red gum forests, past towering sandstone cliffs and exploring historic ports, local vineyards and nature trails.

Monday
Mid-afternoon the PS Murray Princess departs historic Mannum, the birthplace of the Murray River trade and communication, and heads upriver while you enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

As you cruise under floodlight to overnight mooring at Caurnamont, you may see nocturnal wildlife on the riverbank. Watch for kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats, tortoises, egrets and many other species. On-board entertainer provides music for
the night owls.

Tuesday
Daybreak and time for the keen photographers to be out to capture the special light and the morning movement of wildlife. Prolific birdlife includes pelicans, wrens and swans. Enjoy a leisurely morning and lunch cruising upriver to Blanchetown through one of 13 locks which maintain the flow and levels of water.

This afternoon the vessel moor opposite to the township of Blanchetown for overnight anchorage. As the last rays of the sun fade, join a guided tour of Burk Salter vineyards and surrounding vineyard and enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door which is fitted out with beautiful red gum bars.

After dinner, join for all the fun and excitement, and participate in “Murray River Cup”.

Wednesday
After breakfast the vessel cruise downriver to picturesque Swan Reach. The town was first settled in the 1850s, was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area and is now home to native flower and fruit growers.

The original Swan Reach homestead is now the Swan Reach Hotel where you can enjoy an ale or cappuccino overlooking the Murray River (additional cost). Join the guided walking tour and visit the Swan Reach Museum – a must for every visitor. Cruise downriver after lunch and take in the tranquillity as the landscape slides by.

When you arrive at Sunnydale, it’s all ashore for the Woolshed Show as you recreate typical Australian woolshed history. Later there's a visit to the Native Wildlife Shelter where some of South Australia’s most interesting native animals are cared for. And then of course, there is the great Aussie Barbecue – cooked and served in a bush setting on the banks of the mighty Murray River. An optional Nocturnal tour (additional cost) in a comfortable purpose built cart
is available after dinner where you may see kangaroos, wombats, foxes, bats and owls.

Thursday
After an optional early morning Bush Tucker Breakfast (additional cost) or a bush walk with the Captain, the vessel cruises slowly downriver past magnificent cliffs scoured by the river over millions of years. The vessel reach Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites, for a step back in time – tens of thousands of years – for a guided boardwalk tour to view ancient rock carvings and to learn about Aboriginal history in
the area.

Please return to the vessel to cruise downriver to Younghusband. Along the way, adventure seekers can also take a speedboat ride. Tonight the Captain and his officers host a spectacular Captain’s Buffet Dinner. Dress up and dance, if you wish.

Friday
The vessel leave Younghusband and back to Mannum. After breakfast, discover Australia’s richest and best known wine making region – the Barossa.

Depart Mannum by coach to the famous Barossa, the beautiful ‘valley of the vine’ and the source of about a quarter of Australia’s world-renowned wines. You will visit two premium wineries, enjoy lunch and fantastic scenery before returning to the PS Murray Princess at Mannum and cruising towards overnight mooring at Mundurra.

Saturday
In 1879 the first bridge to span the Murray River was built at Edwards Crossing, which quickly became the bustling township of Murray Bridge. After a hearty breakfast, choose to join a guided tour of the town’s historic landmarks and local attractions or go on
a wildlife tour at Monarto Zoo (additional cost). Those who choose to experience Monarto Zoo will arrive back on board the Murray Princess in time for lunch. The vessel continue cruising upriver with a brief stop-over in Mannum for a fascinating visit to Mannum Dock Museum (additional cost).

This afternoon, as you continuing cruising upriver to the overnight mooring at Salt Bush Flat; you will have the opportunity to inspect the wheelhouse with the Captain. After dinner, enjoy being entertained by talented crew.

Sunday
All ashore for the guided nature walk where the guide will share the secrets of the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to get in a little exercise before the PS Murray Princess departs for the big river gorges and 90 metre cliffs of the upper river. Mid-morning, join in the Sturt Dining Room for a special presentation on the bounty of food and wine produced in the
riverlands. Just after Fromms Landing, the vessel turn and head downriver to River View Lodge (near Piggy Flat / Coolcha) where the discovery vessel awaits for a wildlife tour. Travelling in small, personalised groups, explore the maze of the river and the birdlife is amazing. Watch for darters, herons and egrets feeding along the river’s muddy edges. The afternoon offers a choice of bocce or fishing challenges before joining the Captain and Officers for pre-dinner drinks and the Captain’s Dinner and Dance.

Monday
Head back to Mannum and after breakfast, and reluctantly say farewell as the vessel arrive at the Mannum Wharf.

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How to find hotel deals

Search for your hotel using this search panel. The hotel site works a little differently to cruises - we find the best hotel deal from top travel agent sites, then take you directly to that site for you to book the hotel deal. That way you find the absolute best hotel deal to complement our incredible cruise deals.

Important: We recommend you book your hotel AFTER your cruise is confirmed, so you can be sure your cabin is secured prior to purchasing flights and hotels.

Please note: All prices featured are per person AUD (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer.
Visa and Mastercard credit card payments incur a 1.3% transaction fee, 0.5% for debit cards and 2.8% for American Express.